Around 1.7 billion overweight around the globe

New statistics show that just under 1.7 billion people on Earth are overweight or obese, according to onenewspage.co.uk.

The figures were revealed ahead of a conference set to take place in London this week, which will discuss excess weight, cancer and physical activity.

The event, which will be hosted by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and International Association for Study of Obesity, is set to affirm that one billion adults are overweight and 475 million are obese around the world. It was also revealed that 200 million school-age children are overweight.

Talking about the worrying levels, Professor Martin Wiseman from the World Cancer Research Fund told metro.co.uk: "The rising levels of obesity around the globe are a huge concern.

"Excessive body weight has long been linked to ill health and early death and is the second biggest risk factor for cancer after smoking. It is also associated with diseases such as heart disease and type-2 diabetes."

Those who are struggling with obesity or their weight may want to invest in counselling courses which could help them identify the real issues behind their over-eating. A regular exercise and healthy eating routine could also aid them in losing any excess weight.

The number of overweight people around the globe has doubled since 1980, according to the new statistics.